Not sure what lab experiment to choose

[fluidistic]

I'm fortunate enough that I can choose between several labs and for my last choice I struggle between 2. I'm still an undergraduate student and the lab experiments aren't real research in the sense that I'm not supposed to discover anything new and they are meant for us to get experience in several fields and somehow study things close to real research.
The choices I'm doubtful about are:
1)Triboluminescence. The lab will be based on characterising the spectra coming from an adhesive rubber while varying some parameters (speed of unrolling, etc.).
2)Nuclear quadrupole resonance. We would study some properties of a very particular molecule.

1) seems the funniest thing to study. Though I think I could study this in almost any lab in the world.
2) seems extremely interesting to me, but I fear a bit the physics knowledge involved. I wonder if NQR is something easy to work on in say, most universities.

If some day I get the opportunity to go for a Ph.D. or a Master degree, I don't want to regret not having studied NQR.

Do you have any experience in either field? If you haven't but if you still have an idea about what either of these choices involve, please feel free to share.
Thank you.

 

[TonyG]

First of all, congratulations on having the opportunity to choose between two exciting labs! I understand the importance of making informed decisions about research opportunities.

Regarding your first choice, triboluminescence, it is indeed a fascinating phenomenon to study. While it may seem like a less "serious" topic compared to nuclear quadrupole resonance, it is still a valid and important area of research. In fact, triboluminescence has many practical applications, such as in creating self-powered sensors and improving the durability of materials. Additionally, the skills and techniques you will learn in this lab, such as spectrometry and manipulating variables, are transferable to other areas of research.

On the other hand, nuclear quadrupole resonance is a more specialized and technical field. It requires a strong understanding of physics and chemistry, and may be more challenging for an undergraduate student. However, if you are passionate about this topic and willing to put in the effort to learn, it can be a rewarding experience. NQR is not a commonly taught technique in most universities, so having the opportunity to work on it in your undergraduate years could give you a unique advantage in the future.

Ultimately, the decision should come down to your personal interests and goals. If you are considering pursuing a graduate degree in a related field, it may be beneficial to gain experience in NQR. However, if you are more interested in the practical applications and hands-on experimentation, triboluminescence may be the better choice for you.

I personally do not have experience in either field, but I encourage you to reach out to professors or researchers in both areas to gain more insight and advice. They may be able to provide you with information on the availability of NQR research opportunities and the level of difficulty for an undergraduate student.

Whichever lab you choose, make the most of your experience and continue to explore and learn in the field of science. Best of luck in your decision-making process!